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Greg Snell's final China scouting episode captures the ethereal beauty of Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains, where misty peaks and golden sunsets create a photographer's paradise. With drone flights permitted inside the national park and expertly planned off-season timing, Greg and his team avoid massive crowds while capturing cinematic landscapes at iconic spots like the Natural Great Wall, Hallelujah Lookout, and Tianzi Mountain. The journey blends surreal scenery with authentic Chinese cuisine and local guidance, ending with a heartfelt goodbye as Greg returns to Europe.
More about the current video:(Published on 2026-05-12)
In this final episode of the Scouting China series, Greg Snell immerses viewers in the surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the towering sandstone peaks that inspired Avatar's floating mountains. The adventure begins at sunset at the Natural Great Wall, where Greg and his team have the viewpoint completely to themselves, thanks to off-season spring planning. Drones are a highlight here, with surprising permissiveness in the park—Greg notes that licensed drone pilots can fly freely, and even local vendors sell drone photos to tourists.
Day two starts early with a quick face-scan entry at a nearly empty north entrance. The first stop is the iconic Hallelujah Lookout, where morning mist and golden light create otherworldly scenes. Greg's local guide, Top, leads the group to hidden paths away from crowds, emphasizing patience as fog rolls in and out. A hearty lunch of traditional Chinese lazy-Susan dishes fuels the afternoon exploration of Tianzi Mountain, where crowds are thick midday but thin out by sunset. Greg captures stunning golden-hour shots as a few professional photographers share the platform, and he reflects on how landscapes like these reaffirm his career choice. The video closes with Greg thanking the team and heading back to Europe, promising a return in 2027.
